Tips

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Visiting a Pediatric Dentist Instead of a Family Dentist

While you certainly have a choice about whether to take your child to a specialized pediatric dentist or a family/general dentist, please keep in mind that a pediatric dentist has specialized training and will have a better understanding of dental issues that pertain specifically to children. There are many occasions where what looks like a cavity on a permanent tooth is not a cavity on a baby tooth.

Keeping up with the latest child psychology training and skills in sedation/hospital training, a pediatric dentist is uniquely trained to work with children. A child-friendly atmosphere is created with a trained pediatric dental team, child-friendly colors, decorations, and proper timing of rewards. Dr. Baghai is a Board Certified pediatric dentist , which means he has passed a rigorous series of examinations administered by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Realizing When it’s Time to Take Your Child to the Dentist for the First Time
It’s never too early for children to see a pediatric dentist for the first time. According to the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry – two of the most well-respected dental organizations in the United States – children should start seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth appears. If no teeth appear by the age of one or two, the children should see a dentist to determine the reason for the delay.

Finding the Best Dental Office for Your Child

When it comes to selecting a dentist for your child, the two most important factors are: 1) You feel comfortable with the doctor and staff, and 2) your child feels comfortable and relaxed at the office. You want your child to enjoy visiting the dentist. The quality of the dental work is hard to judge immediately; long-term results are the best indicator of quality.

Recognizing a Dental Emergency
Does mild tooth pain mean that your child is experiencing a dental emergency? Sometimes it’s difficult to tell whether your child’s pain is an emergency – or if it’s something that can wait until the dentist office is open the next day. If your child is in pain, has a broken tooth, or has experienced a dental trauma, do not hesitate to call our office. If it’s after hours, we will still make sure you are taken care of.

Getting Your Child Ready for a Dental Appointment
If there’s one piece of advice we like to give parents, it is: Do not say things to your child that might make them afraid of the dentist. All they need to know is that the doctor will count and clean their teeth and give them a toy if they do what we ask them. At Garland Pediatric Dentistry, we go out of our way to make your child’s visit fun and enjoyable.

Encouraging Children to Eat Healthy Food
Certain types of food and beverages are known to promote tooth decay and should be minimized. We are happy to provide you with information on the types of food and beverages that promote excellent oral health and the types that can be damaging. Just ask us for more information – we are happy to provide it!

Dealing with Dental Anxiety
Nobody wants a child to dread visiting the dentist due to anxiety. If your child has high anxiety and is reluctant to visit the dentist, we are happy to talk with you and/or your child’s pediatrician, to come up with a helpful plan to make their visit less stressful.

Setting a Great Example for Your Children
In most cases, children follow the example their parents set. If you take good care of your teeth and go to the dentist regularly your child will want to do the same. If you want your child to enjoy healthy teeth and a sparkling smile, make sure to set a great example. This is the easiest way to help your child learn and grow into a healthy adult!